YSRC moves SC against local polls delay

Determined to conduct the local body elections as scheduled, the State Government has written a letter to the State Election Commissioner (SEC) and filed a petition in the Supreme Court objecting to its postponement. A lunch motion petition was also filed in AP High Court against the decision to postpone the elections.

Meanwhile, SEC Nimmdagadda Ramesh Kumar met governor B. Harichandan to explain the reasons behind postponement.

Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy took strong objection to the unilateral decision of the SEC and directed the officials to respond swiftly to set right things. He emphasised that coronavirus can be prevented if councillors, sarpanchs, municipal chairmen, corporators and mayors are elected. All these elected representatives can add strength to the government machinery and local bodies would be strengthened.

The Chief Minister further said that funds from the Union Government would not be released if elections are delayed and there is no assurance that elections would be held by the next financial year.

The government filed petition in the apex court on the Covid-19 status and seizure of funds due to delay in conduct of elections. The Supreme Court judge Justice Lalith admitting the petition directed its inclusion in the regular list of March 17.

In a separate development, a petition was filed in the AP High Court objecting to the postponement and demanding elections be held as schedules.